Spinal Decompression Surgery in Haywards Heath

Why choose Nuffield Health Haywards Heath Hospital for your spinal decompression surgery?

At Nuffield Health Haywards Heath Hospital, our  state-of-the-art spinal clinic is here to help you overcome your sciatica and spinal problems. Our expert spinal surgeons practice in a range of lower back treatments, they can offer a quick diagnosis and compile a comprehensive treatment plant tailored to you, your condition and your expectations form surgery

If you suffer from spinal stenosis, you may want to consider an alternative to laminectomy surgery to treat your condition. Our expert spine consultants regularly perform spinal decompression, which takes less time in theatre and is relatively less invasive.

Spinal injuries, slipped discs and sciatica can also be treated with spinal decompression surgery.

Our private hospital is conveniently situated on the outskirts of Haywards Heath's town centre. Our primary location is easy to find and allows us to provide plenty of free parking for patients and visitors.

How to book a consultation at Nuffield Health Haywards Heath Hospital

If you are suffering from spinal pain and want to discuss your treatment options with one of our consultants in Haywards Heath, you will need to book a private consultation via our dedicated enquiry team on 01444 456999 or by filling out an online contact form below.

Please let the enquiry handler know if you have had any recent X-rays or scans when booking your consultation, as there will be additional charges for any diagnostic imaging needed.

What is spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal. The spinal canal contains the nerves that leave the spinal cord. A combination of arthritis in the spine or bulging (herniation) of the discs or (in rarer cases) spondylolisthesis (where a vertebra slips forward or backward) or spinal tumours can cause this narrowing. Decompression is performed to release nerves trapped by this narrowing.

Initially your consultant may recommend anti-inflammatory medication for pain. If you have pain down your leg that is caused by pressure on the nerve in your lower back (sciatica), your surgeon may recommend a steroid injection in your spine.

What happens during lumbar spinal decompression at Nuffield Health Haywards Heath Hospital?

You will probably have an MRI scan to confirm the diagnosis and help your surgeon plan your operation.

Decompression is usually performed under general anaesthetic. Your surgeon will make an incision (cut) in your lower back. They will remove enough bone and tissue to free the trapped nerves. They will close the incision with stitches and dress the wound.
To treat your trapped nerves, your consultant will usually perform one or more of the following procedures:

• Spinal fusion - where two or more vertebrae are joined together with a section of bone to stabilise and strengthen the spine
• Laminectomy - an area of bone from one of your vertebrae (bone in your spine) is removed
• Discectomy - where a section of damaged disc is removed to relieve nerve pressure

After your spinal decompression

Immediately after your surgery you will be taken to the recovery area. Staff will monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and breathing. If you are in any pain be sure and tell the recovery room staff. When you are stable a nurse will take you to your room.

Back in your private room

Once you are back in your room, our nursing team will continue to check on you to make sure you are recovering well. After you’ve recovered from any effects of the anaesthetic, you can have something to eat and drink. Be sure and tell us if you are in any pain.

Some patients have difficulty passing urine after decompression surgery. If you are in any discomfort please tell a member of our Healthcare Team.

You will be encouraged to get up and move around as soon as possible - usually within 24 hours of your operation. Please wait for a member of our nursing to help you out of bed for the first time.

A physiotherapist will visit you to advise you on any restrictions and give you exercises to help you regain mobility. You may be advised to avoid bending, twisting or lifting anything heavy for the first six weeks following surgery.

Recovery after spinal decompression

The length of your stay in hospital will depend on the degree of decompression performed. Most patients spend 1-4 nights in hospital and your consultant and nursing team will make sure you're safe and ready to go home.

Most people can walk on their own the day after surgery, however you may need to avoid strenuous activities for about 6 weeks.

You will not be able to drive or return to work until you are released to do so at your follow-up appointment with your consultant. Please arrange for someone to take you home on the day of your discharge.

Any stitches or staples will be removed 10 - 14 days after your operation.

You may feel very tired and sore for the first few weeks. It is important to rest and allow your body to heal. 

You will be encouraged to walk during your recovery. Start with short distances and build up slowly. Avoid sitting for long periods. Keeping mobile will help you to avoid DVT (deep vein thrombosis).

Risks and complications of spinal decompression surgery

Most people make a good recovery and return to normal activities following spinal decompression. As with any surgery there can be complications:

• Pain
• Bleeding
• Infection of the surgical site (incision)
• Scarring
• Blood clots (DVT - deep vein thrombosis)
• Difficulty passing urine
• Chest infection

Specific complications of spinal decompression:

• Bleeding in the spinal column
• Continued pain or numbness
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Infection in the spine
• Nerve damage
• Leaking of spinal fluid
• Damage to the spinal cord

Why not print this treatment page so you can discuss any concerns you have with your surgeon in Haywards Heath?